Letter: Arcade ban is epitome of government overreach

It strikes me as odd that the state of Florida with its legal, legislative and punitive powers has no recourse but to close down 300 or so lawful arcades because it can neither properly regulate nor punish the Internet cafes that fraudulently represent themselves to be fundraisers for veterans organizations.

Do we not have laws against fraud? Or is it the loss of taxes on offshore revenue that has lawmakers’ knickers in a twist?

I am not an arcade habitué but have occasionally passed a not unpleasant hour or so playing their video games. In general, one should be free to spend one’s time and money as one sees fit, even at an arcade.

I notice the state still does a brisk business in lottery tickets; what’s good for the goose is obviously not quite so good for the gander.

Then there is the issue of the arcade operators who are legitimate business owners one day, then by the incompetent and capricious whim of the state are out of business. Their investment of time, effort and money — gone.

Presumably there are many hundreds, even thousands, now unemployed. Satisfied, happy, lawful customers are now angry and disgruntled.

There is a lesson here. Henry David Thoreau wrote, “I heartily accept the motto, — ‘That government is best which governs least.’ ”

Speaking of limited government, the state legislators are addressing the issue of which breweries can sell beer in what size cans. Certainly after diligent investigation, study and deliberation they will reach a decision for the betterment of all. How is it possible that in a free country it’s any of their concern? I can conceive of no argument to convince me that it is.